Team members are the heart of any senior living community. After all, it is the staff who are working long hours, taking the time to create meaningful relationships with residents, and contributing to a culture that puts seniors first. However, not all staff members are going to give their very best every single day during every single interaction. Bad days and other circumstances can make even the best staff members feel less than motivated sometimes.

Everyone needs to earn a living. Senior living offers great opportunities for pay increases and career growth, thanks in part to an aging population and an increased desire to provide seniors with exceptional retirements.

The Arbor Company proudly offers a caring, vibrant environment for seniors from all walks of life. Our residents lead meaningful lives, thanks to the support of staff who work to help them shape lives of their own choosing. We think our caring staff also deserves support and recognition. That’s why we offer myriad opportunities for growth and continuing education. The 2019 Arbor Leadership Conference in May brought together community leaders from more than 40 communities in 11 states for training, a chance to network, and deep appreciation for all that our staff does. We believe in our mission and our work. We also know that it takes committed staff for us to #BeArbor.

A recent Deloitte study arrived at the tragic conclusion that just 13 percent of U.S. workers are passionate about their work. You spend about one-third of your life at work. If you don’t enjoy that time, you spend a significant portion of your day unhappy—and maybe devote the rest of it to ruminating over your disappointing career. Senior living careers offer a chance to make a difference in another person’s life. A recent J.D. Power analysis found that a quality staff is the biggest predictor of resident satisfaction in senior living, so there’s no denying that senior care workers can make or break the senior living experience.

Senior living executives wear many hats. They often work directly with residents, becoming friends, confidantes, and advocates. They must also lead a team that may be comprised of people with diverse interests, skills, and personalities. In that role, they must coach and encourage the people whom they hire, fire, and discipline. This can feel like an impossible balancing act, but it offers immense rewards. Senior living executives shape the future of senior living, setting policies that can make a remarkable difference in the lives of seniors, their families, and community staff.